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As new parents, it can be challenging to see your gassy baby struggle with gas pains and discomfort. Gassy babies have to deal with gas bubbles that form in their digestive tract, which can make them fussy, restless, and sleepless. Baby’s gas is a common problem among both breastfed and bottle-fed babies, and the best way to help them sleep is to find ways to relieve their discomfort. In this blog post, we will explore some practical tips on how to help gassy baby sleep, from burping techniques and gas relief to tummy time and gripe water.
I’ll also discuss some common causes of gas in babies, such as dairy products and lactose intolerance, and how a lactation consultant can help with breastfeeding techniques to reduce the amount of air a baby swallows. So, let’s dive in and learn how to help your gassy newborns get some much-needed rest.
Understanding Gas Problems in Babies
When it comes to tummy troubles in young babies, excess air can be a common culprit. As a result, gas troubles can cause discomfort and crying, leaving parents feeling helpless. Understanding the causes and symptoms of gas problems is crucial, especially since they can mimic those of food sensitivities.
Babies can swallow extra air during bottle feeding, leading to air bubbles in their digestive tract, or have difficulty burping when feeding in an upright position. However, other factors such as colicky baby, certain medications, or food sensitivities could also be at play.
The symptoms of gas in babies include fussiness, crying, squirming, and passing gas. It can be difficult to differentiate between normal gassiness and colic, which is a more severe condition that causes prolonged crying and discomfort. If your baby’s head seems to be hurting them or they seem to have excessive crying spells, it’s important to seek professional advice. However, there are several ways to alleviate gas troubles in young babies, including gas drops, baby massage, and a careful assessment of the foods they eat.
15+ Effective Tips on how to help gassy baby sleep
If you’re a parent of a gassy baby, you know how challenging it can be to help your little one sleep through the night. Gas pains and discomfort can keep your baby up, leaving both you and your little one exhausted. However, there are several ways to help your gassy baby sleep better. Here are 20 tips to get you started:
Burp your baby frequently during feedings to release any trapped air bubbles
Burping your baby is essential to prevent gas from building up in their digestive tract. Try burping them after every ounce or two of formula or every 5-10 minutes of breastfeeding. Pat your baby’s back gently or rub their back in a circular motion to encourage burping. Burping is an effective technique to resolve gas problem in babies.
Hold your baby in an upright position for at least 30 minutes after feedings
Keeping your baby upright after feeding helps gravity to work in your favor, allowing any trapped gas bubbles to rise to the top of the stomach where they can be burped up more easily. This is an easy way to get rid of gas in babies.
Try different bottle nipples to find one that works best for your baby
Different bottle nipples have different flow rates, which can affect how much air your baby swallows during feeding. Experiment with different types of nipples to find one that works best for your baby.
Use gas drops or simethicone drops to help break down gas bubbles
Gas drops contain simethicone, which helps break down gas bubbles in the digestive tract, making them easier to pass.
Rub your baby’s tummy in a clockwise motion to ease gas pains
Rubbing your baby’s tummy in a clockwise motion can help stimulate the digestive system and relieve gas pains. You can read how to massage a baby for more details and help your baby relax. Massaging is a great way to help a gassy baby sleep
Give your baby a warm bath before bedtime to help them relax
A warm bath can help your baby relax and ease any tension in their body, which can contribute to gas pains.
Place your baby on their back and gently move their legs in a bicycle motion to relieve gas
Moving your baby’s legs in a bicycle motion can help relieve gas pains and stimulate bowel movements.
Use a pacifier to help your baby soothe themselves
Sucking on a pacifier can help your baby relax and soothe themselves, which can help reduce gas pains.
Try feeding your baby smaller amounts more frequently
Feeding your baby smaller amounts more frequently can help reduce the amount of air they swallow during feedings.
Avoid overfeeding your baby, as this can contribute to excess gas
Overfeeding your baby can cause them to swallow more air than they need to, which can contribute to gas problems.
If breastfeeding, avoid consuming foods that could lead to gas, such as dairy products or caffeine
Certain foods can cause gas in breastfed babies. If you notice your baby is particularly gassy after you eat certain foods, try eliminating them from your diet to see if it helps.
Consider seeing a lactation consultant to ensure your baby is properly latching and not swallowing excess air
A lactation consultant can help you ensure that your baby is latching correctly and feeding efficiently, which can help reduce the amount of air they swallow during feedings.
Use a white noise machine to create a calming environment for your baby
White noise can help create a soothing environment for your baby, which can help them relax and sleep more soundly.
Swaddle your baby in a comfortable blanket to help them feel secure
Swaddling can help your baby feel secure and comfortable, which can help reduce gas pains and improve sleep.
Give your baby plenty of tummy time during the day to help relieve gas
Tummy time can help relieve gas pains and encourage the passage of gas and stool. This is a great way to get rid of gas problem in babies.
Hold your baby in a baby carrier or wrap to help them feel secure and upright
Holding your baby in a carrier or wrap can help them feel secure and upright, which can help relieve gas pains. This could help gassy baby sleep.
Avoid feeding your baby too quickly, as this can lead to swallowing excess air
Feeding your baby too quickly can cause them to swallow more air than they need to, which can contribute to gas problems.
Keep your baby’s sleeping area
Keep your baby’s sleeping area elevated at a 30-degree angle to help prevent reflux and aid digestion: Elevating your baby’s sleeping area can help prevent reflux, which can lead to gas and discomfort.
Consider using gripe water, a natural remedy that can help relieve gas and digestive discomfort
Gripe water contains natural ingredients such as ginger and fennel, which can help relieve gas and digestive discomfort in babies.
If your baby is bottle-fed, make sure the nipple is filled with milk to prevent them from swallowing excess air
Ensuring that the nipple is always filled with milk during feedings can help prevent your baby from swallowing excess air, which can contribute to gas problems.
Helping a gassy baby sleep requires patience and persistence. It may take some trial and error to find the best combination of techniques that work for your baby. Remember to seek professional advice if you suspect your baby has colic or if their gas troubles persist despite your best efforts. With the right approach, you can help your gassy baby sleep soundly and comfortably.
Key Takeaways
Gas is a common problem in young babies due to their immature digestive system. While there are many things you can do to help your gassy baby sleep, some of the most effective include finding the best sleep position, using a slow-flow nipple, ensuring a good latch during breastfeeding, and considering the impact of mom’s diet on the baby’s digestive system. It’s also essential to remember that infant gas is a normal part of development and not necessarily a cause for concern.
However, if your baby is experiencing a lot of gas or discomfort, seeking advice from a pediatrician or lactation consultant is always a good idea. By taking a proactive approach to your baby’s gas troubles, you can help them sleep more soundly and comfortably, whether they’re newborns or older babies.
Citations for how to help gassy baby sleep
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2018). Burping, Hiccups, and Spitting Up. In Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5 (7th ed.). Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics.
- HealthyChildren.org. (2018, November 21). Colic in Babies. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/crying-colic/Pages/Colic.aspx
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2020, March). Gas in the Digestive Tract. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gas-digestive-tract
- American Pregnancy Association. (2018, June 7). Lactose Intolerance During Breastfeeding. Retrieved from https://americanpregnancy.org/breastfeeding/lactose-intolerance-and-breastfeeding/
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Disclaimer: The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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